CC BY-SA 3.0 GR, Geraki, Wikimedia Commons

Landmark· Lefkada· Greece — Ionian, Saronic & Argolic

Santa Maura Fortress (Agia Mavra Castle)

38° 50.7′ N · 20° 43.2′ E

A hexagonal Venetian-Ottoman fortress guarding the bridge at the northern tip of Lefkada, first built around 1300 by John I Orsini and later the walled capital of the island.

Ionian IslandsSaronic Gulf & Argolic

Practical

Rebuilt by Kilic Ali Pasha in 1572-1574, taken by Venice in 1684 after a 16-day siege, then held in turn by the French, Russians and British until 1864 (Wikipedia). Greeka says it covers about 25,000 sq m and was besieged 12 times. Listed as open to the public; hours and fees are not published in these sources, so verify locally. Walk from the north end of the canal or from the town quay; the castle is right beside the floating bridge, so you can watch the bridge open from its walls.

Best for

History stop while waiting for the bridge

Nearby